Page 57 of With Love in Sight
“No, I enjoy it very much.” She smiled wryly. “But I’m afraid natural shyness and singing in public do not go hand in hand.”
“I do know what you mean. Though, perhaps,” she ventured, “you might make an exception for me?”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand.”
Emily leaned forward. “I have so longed to sing a duet, but my sister, though talented, shows no interest.”
Imogen looked at her in some alarm. “Do you mean in the evening, in front of your family?”
“No!” Emily recoiled, her eyes widening in almost comic surprise. “No, I merely mean to suggest that you join me at my practice. I do so daily after breakfast, and it would mean much for me to have your presence there.”
“Oh!” Imogen exclaimed, warming at the request. “That sounds lovely. It would be my honor to join you.”
Emily’s entire visage lit up. She was truly a beautiful girl. When she smiled like that, with her entire being, one could easily forget the scar that marred her features.
“Do you think you would be open to joining me this morning?”
“I would like that above all else.”
It was at that moment that Caleb entered. Imogen watched, surprised, as the smile fell from Emily’s face and she shrank down into her seat. Imogen looked up at Caleb, saw his steps falter when he saw them.
“Emily, Imogen,” he acknowledged, and began piling a plate high with food. Imogen was aware of a sudden tension that had come over the room. She had already determined that Jonathan’s death was at the crux of the strain in the family. But what had happened during that long ago accident that affected everyone even now? Grief she could understand. Something so horrific would leave its mark well after the event itself. But what went on in this family seemed something else entirely.
Just then, however, the heavy unease seemed to lift as he came and sat beside her. His gray eyes regarded her warmly.
“You were incredible last night, teaching everyone that dance. You amaze me more and more every day.” His voice was a low murmur that vibrated intimately through her body. She flushed and cleared her throat, acutely aware of Emily’s silent presence at the table. From the rustle of the paper she guessed she had gone back to reading the Times.
“Thank you, my lord. I admit I was a bit overwhelmed at first. But I have often done as much for my siblings, and so it was an easy matter to pretend that was the case in this instance as well.”
“What an inspired way of viewing it. I, for one, have never enjoyed dancing more. Well, perhaps one other time…”
Imogen just kept herself from gasping, and instead kicked him under the table, hard. Caleb grunted, reaching down to rub at his shin.
“How fortuitous I am wearing boots,” he muttered for her ears alone, “or that might have done far more damage than it did.”
“What a pity, then,” she replied flippantly, turning back to her plate and taking a small bite of ham.
“Touché,” he said, and she could hear his grin. “Seeing as I am not grievously injured, however, I thought perhaps this morning we could ride into the village. You haven’t been yet, and there are several sweet little shops we can visit in which you may be able to pick something up for your siblings.”
Imogen shook her head. “I am sorry, but I cannot this morning. I have plans, you see.”
“Plans,” he repeated blankly.
“Yes. Emily and I will be practicing some duets this morning.” She turned to look at Emily, who had forgotten her paper and gaped at Imogen. “Isn’t that so?”
Emily nodded mutely. Her eyes darted between Imogen and Caleb in an uncertain fashion.
“Perhaps we may go into the village tomorrow?” Imogen asked Caleb.
“Certainly,” he replied immediately.
“Wonderful.” She turned to Emily. “Are you done with your meal? I should love to begin presently. I have some lovely songs that I think may interest you.”
At Emily’s stiff nod Imogen rose. The other girl followed suit, and soon they were heading out the door for the music room. Just as she was about to duck into the hall, however, she glanced back. Caleb was sitting at the table, his back straight, a frown marring his forehead. Chewing on her lip thoughtfully, Imogen followed after Emily.
• • •
Caleb felt as if he had walked into some strange, otherworldly place. By the time he regained his senses, the two women were gone from the room. He stared down at his untouched plate, suddenly finding he had no appetite.
